Publication Date

2-12-2026

Document Type

Contribution to a Book

Publication Title

Vienna A Musical History

Editor

Simon P. Keefe

DOI

10.1017/9781009399456.005

First Page

71

Last Page

88

Abstract

Vienna’s reputation as the ballroom dancing capital of Europe was already secured by the end of the eighteenth century and continues to this day. This chapter examines the rich history of dance in Vienna from the eighteenth century – the period of the first public ballrooms as well as the emergence of ballet as an independent art form – to the present day. It discusses Viennese ball culture and its iconic dance, the waltz, which is the part of Vienna’s history that has been most influential on wider dance culture, and originated the most recognizably and distinctively ‘Viennese’ musical style.

Keywords

ballet music, dance music, Johann Strauss Jr, Johann Strauss Sr, Ländler, polka, Viennese ball culture, waltz

Comments

This material has been published in revised form in S. P. Keefe (Ed.), Vienna: A Musical History https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009399456.005 This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution or re-use. © Simon P. Keefe 2026.

Department

Music and Dance

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Available for download on Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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